How to Prepare a Shih Tzu for the Canine Good Citizen Test
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is an achievable goal for Shih Tzus, though their independent nature and moderate trainability (3/5) require patience and consistency. This charming toy breed's affectionate temperament is a major asset, but their stubbornness and barking tendency (3/5) present training hurdles you'll need to address proactively. The good news: Shih Tzus thrive on positive reinforcement and bond strongly with their owners, making home-based training ideal. Their low energy level (2/5) means short, frequent training sessions work better than lengthy ones. This guide walks you through each CGC requirement step-by-step, tailored to your Shih Tzu's personality and common challenges like separation anxiety and housetraining difficulty. With realistic expectations and breed-appropriate methods, your Shih Tzu can earn certification.
Step-by-step
- 1
Master Loose-Leash Walking and Heel Command
Shih Tzus are prone to pulling and distraction, so start in low-distraction environments using high-value treats (small pieces of chicken or cheese). Practice 5–10 minute sessions daily, rewarding calm walking and eye contact. This foundation builds confidence and reduces their moderate barking anxiety around new situations during the test.
- 2
Build Consistent Sit, Down, and Stay Commands
Use positive reinforcement exclusively—never force your Shih Tzu into positions. Their stubbornness responds better to motivation than correction; repeat sessions 2–3 times daily for 5 minutes each. Expect progress to be gradual; consistency matters more than speed with this breed.
- 3
Condition Calm Greeting and Handling for the Test
Shih Tzus' affectionate nature often leads to jumping and over-excitement when greeting strangers. Practice the CGC's required 'accepting a friendly stranger' scenario by having friends approach and pet your dog while you reward calm behavior with treats. Simulate the evaluator's touch on ears, paws, and mouth to reduce anxiety.
- 4
Address Barking and Separation Anxiety
Shih Tzus bark at unfamiliar stimuli and suffer separation anxiety—both CGC test failures. Begin practicing alone time in short bursts (5 minutes) with no fanfare, and use white noise to desensitize barking triggers. Gradually extend duration while rewarding quiet behavior with praise and treats when you return.
- 5
Practice Controlled Behavior Around Other Dogs
Visit dog parks or arrange supervised playdate exposures to normalize calm coexistence. Reward your Shih Tzu for ignoring other dogs and maintaining focus on you; their playful temperament is an asset, but loose-leash walking past another dog is a CGC requirement. Keep sessions brief due to their low energy.
- 6
Schedule Test Preparation and Trial Runs
Mock the CGC test conditions 2–3 weeks before submission: practice in quiet public spaces, time sit-stays for full 30 seconds, and simulate the evaluator's neutral demeanor. Shih Tzus benefit from predictability, so consistent routine and location help reduce test-day anxiety. Consider a trial test through your local AKC affiliate for real-world feedback.
Pro tips
- Train in short bursts (5–10 minutes, 2–3× daily) to match your Shih Tzu's low energy and moderate trainability; multiple mini-sessions beat one long marathon.
- Use their affectionate nature as your secret weapon: Shih Tzus crave your attention and praise, so enthusiastic verbal rewards often work as well as treats to reinforce good behavior.
- Practice the CGC exercises in the actual test environment (or a similar public space) at least twice before the official test, since Shih Tzus are sensitive to routine changes and unfamiliar settings that can trigger barking or anxiety.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu barks constantly—can they still pass the CGC?+
Yes, but barking must be addressed as a priority. The CGC test requires your dog to remain calm and ignore distractions. Start with short desensitization sessions (10 minutes, 3× daily) to familiar triggers, and reward quiet behavior immediately. Consider consulting a trainer if barking doesn't improve in 4–6 weeks of consistent practice.
How long will it take to prepare my Shih Tzu for the CGC test?+
Expect 8–12 weeks of consistent daily training, depending on your dog's starting behavior and your stubbornness management skills. Shih Tzus have moderate trainability (3/5), so progress may feel slow, but frequent short sessions (5–10 minutes, 2–3× daily) yield better results than longer ones. Consistency is more important than speed.
My Shih Tzu has separation anxiety—how does that affect the CGC?+
Separation anxiety can cause test failure if your dog panics or barks excessively when you step away during certain exercises. Begin conditioning with micro-absences (5–15 seconds) in the training space, reward calm behavior upon return, and gradually extend duration. Many Shih Tzus improve with routine and positive reinforcement but may benefit from a calm-down pheromone spray on test day.
Should I use food rewards forever, or will my Shih Tzu get bored?+
Rotate treat types and use a mix of food, praise, and play to maintain motivation—Shih Tzus respond well to variety. As commands solidify, gradually reduce food lures and replace them with verbal praise and petting, though many owners find occasional treats keep their Shih Tzu engaged long-term. Always end sessions on a positive note.